Portable vaporizer

ABSTRACT

The present invention teaches a portable vaporizing device which, through the application of heat, successfully volatilizes one or more constituents of various vaporizable substances, such as medicines and plant materials, for the purpose of inhaling these volatilized constituents. The invention may be successfully operated using the flame from a standard butane cigarette lighter or the like as the sole heat source. An additional embodiment of the device provides a substitute for a standard slider-bowl allowing for the conversion of a standard waterpipe into a vaporizing device. A second additional embodiment allows for vaporization of cigarettes or portions thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

This invention relates to the field of heat vaporization of varioussubstances, such as plant substances, medicines, etc., to producesmoke-free inhalable vapors.

(2) Description of Prior Art

Vaporization of volatile constituents of various substances withoutcombustion by the application of heat for the purpose of inhaling saidvolatile constituents is a process that has been known for quite sometime. U.S. Pat. No. 87,603 of Mar. 9, 1869 discloses the construction ofa vaporizer which makes use of heated stones, heated metal or coals inan isolated chamber and the conduction of heat therefrom to releasevolatile constituents from medicinal substances in an adjacent chamberin order to make possible inhalation of said volatile constituents.

Since that time, numerous vaporizing devices of varied design andvarious levels of sophistication have been disclosed. Some use heat fromelectrical heating elements as a means to accomplish vaporizationwithout combustion, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,104,266;4,141,369; 4,303,083; 4,735,217; 4,907,606; 4,922,901; 4,947,874;4,947,875; 5,060,671; 5,224,498; 5,249,586; 5,388,574; 5,388,594;5,819,756; and 6,095,153. Other devices use the application of heat froma flame through an intermediary barrier of glass, metal, or other heatconducting material, thereby preventing direct contact of the flame withthe substance to be vaporized, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.437,070; 649,521; 1,071,389; and 1,405,802. Still other devices rely onthe transfer of heat from the combustion of a solid fuel source,generally a carbonaceous material, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,219,032; 4,340,072; 4,474,191; 5,042,509; 5,099,861; 5,105,831;5,156,170; 5,345,951; and 6,598,607 (liquid fuel). And then there are anumber of devices which rely on the application of internally orexternally produced hot air to a vaporizable substance in order toachieve vaporization such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,993,748; 6,250,301; 6,481,437; 6,354,301; 6,513,524; and 6,532,965(steam).

As outlined, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,141,369; 4,303,083;5,993,748; and 6,481,437; a key advantage of vaporization of avaporizable substance over standard combustion of that same substance isthe elimination of unwanted combustion byproducts and therefore areduction in the health risks associated with inhalation of saidcombustion byproducts. On the whole, the devices mentioned above, whenconstructed, calibrated and used properly, present effective means ofreleasing various volatile constituents from substances while avoidingthe commingling of said volatile constituents with unwanted combustionby-products. Some devices, however, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,219,032; or 4,340,072, actually make direct use of the hotcombustion gases from the fuel source for heating the vaporizablesubstance and therefore arguably do not completely serve this purpose.

Depending upon the particular substance to be vaporized, vaporizationalso has other advantages over standard combustion, such as moreefficient use (i.e. less waste) of the vaporizable substance,elimination of production and release of unwanted smoke fumes into theambient atmosphere, improved taste, etc.

Although they may effectively vaporize vaporizable substances, many ofthe devices referred to above also have disadvantages:

All those devices utilizing electrical heating elements as heating meanswill necessarily require a source of electricity so they must either beplugged into an electrical outlet or be attached to a battery largeenough to generate sufficient heat to bring about vaporization and whichcan accomplish its function long enough so as to not to require constantreplacement.

With the possible exception of the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.1,405,802, those devices mentioned above which utilize a flame as a heatsource are certainly too cumbersome to easily be carried in a pocket orpurse. And the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,405,802, would mostlikely require 3 hands to operate properly if one attempted to use ahand-held lighter as the heat source rather than a self-supportedstanding burner as heat source.

Those devices mentioned above which use electrically generated heatedair as the heat source all require a device, either internal orexternal, to produce such heated air and are made more cumbersome by theinclusion of said electrical air-heating device.

Those devices which make use of solid fuel 1) require the purchase andsupply of solid fuel rods, disks, etc. 2) release combustion productsinto the ambient atmosphere which may be offensive and/or hazardous toothers in the vicinity as well as to the user of the device. In additionthese devices pose fire hazards similar to burning cigarettes when notproperly attended.

Further disadvantages include:

1) Many of the devices mentioned in all categories are expensive toproduce.

2) Some of the devices hold the vaporizable substance in compartmentswhich are hidden from view, making visual inspection and assessment ofthe state of the vaporizable substance more difficult once thevaporization process has begun.

3) Some devices require a continual supply of replacement parts,specialized fuel modules, or specially prepared vaporizable substances.

In addition to patented devices, there are also a number of otherdevices that have been disclosed in periodicals or are on the openmarket. In examining the various devices available, it is evident thatthey suffer from drawbacks similar to those outlined above. Many ofthese devices are quite expensive and cumbersome while the lessexpensive, more portable models are not completely effective atisolating combustion byproducts from desired volatile substances. Inaddition, some of the existing models of vaporizer require that thevaporizer, once ‘loaded’ with vaporizable substance, be required to beheld relatively still in order to prevent the vaporizable substance frommoving out of proper vaporizing position, and are thus unsuitable fortransport once ‘loaded’ or for use in relatively unstable physicalenvironments (e.g. during a bumpy car-ride).

It would be therefore desirable to provide a vaporizer: 1) whicheffectively separates desired volatile substances from unwantedcombustion byproducts, 2) which is inexpensive to manufacture, 3) whichis of such size and weight as to be easily portable, 4) which operatessuccessfully using a standard cigarette lighter or the like as heatsource with no need for an electrical source (battery or otherwise),external hot air producing device (heat gun, etc), or standingself-supported burner, etc., 5) which regularly requires no otherspecialized supplies such as specialized fuel rods, disks, mixtures,etc. besides the vaporizable substance itself, 6) in which thevaporizable substance is substantially contained in the vaporizationchamber once inserted and will substantially remain in proper vaporizingposition even if the ‘loaded’ vaporizer is turned in space, shaken,carried in the pocket or purse, etc., 7) which allows enjoyment of thefull flavor of the vaporizable constituents without metallic,combustion, or other unwanted taste, 8) in which vaporization can easilybe started and stopped quickly so as to avoid substantial waste of thevaporizable substance, and 9) which is preferably transparent, allowingeasy visual assessment of the physical state of the vaporizablesubstance at any point in the vaporization process.

(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of an outer vessel for the portable vaporizer

FIG. 2 shows an example of an inner vessel for the portable vaporizer

FIG. 3 shows an example of a grommet

FIG. 4 shows an example of an assembled portable vaporizer

FIG. 5 shows an example of an inner vessel for a ‘slider-bowlreplacement embodiment’

FIG. 6 shows an example of an assembled ‘slider-bowl replacementembodiment’

FIG. 7 shows an example of an inner vessel for a ‘cigarette-holderembodiment’

FIG. 8 shows two examples of wraps on outer vessels:

FIG. 8(a) shows a wrap that does not extend over the air intake vents

FIG. 8(b) shows a wrap that extends over the air intake vents

(4) REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   100 Outer Vessel-   102 Open proximal end of outer vessel-   104 Closed distal end of outer vessel-   106 Air intake vents on outer vessel-   108 Heating area at distal end of outer vessel-   110 Inner surface of closed distal end of outer vessel-   200 Inner vessel-   202 Open distal end of inner vessel-   204 Partition in inner vessel-   206 Screening hole in partition in inner vessel-   208 Vaporization chamber in inner vessel-   210 Drawing chamber in inner vessel-   212 Spherical mouthpiece at proximal end of inner vessel-   214 Open proximal end of inner vessel-   216 Crimp at distal end of inner vessel-   218 Distal end of spherical mouthpiece of inner vessel-   300 Grommet-   302 Length of grommet-   304 Inner diameter of grommet-   306 Proximal end of grommet-   308 Distal end of grommet-   310 Groove-   312 Rounded Lip-   400 Assembled portable vaporizer-   500 Inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’-   502 Open proximal end of inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement    embodiment’-   504 Vaporization chamber in inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement    embodiment’-   506 Open distal end of inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement    embodiment’-   508 Partition in inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement    embodiment’-   510 Crimp at distal end of inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl replacement    embodiment’-   512 Screening hole in partition in inner vessel of ‘slider-bowl    replacement embodiment’-   600 Assembled ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’-   602 Sleeve-   604 Water pipe-   606 Mouth of slider bowl receiving tube of water pipe-   608 Slider bowl receiving tube of water-pipe-   610 Proximal end of sleeve-   612 Distal end of sleeve-   700 Inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder embodiment’-   702 Partition in inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder embodiment’-   704 Vaporization chamber in inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder    embodiment’-   706 Screening hole in partition in inner vessel for ‘cigarette    holder embodiment’-   708 Drawing chamber in inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder    embodiment’-   710 Open proximal end of inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder    embodiment’-   712 Open distal end of inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder    embodiment’-   714 Air inlet holes in inner vessel for ‘cigarette holder    embodiment’-   800A Outer wrap on outer vessel version 1-   800B Outer wrap on outer vessel version 2-   802 Outer wrap version 1-   804 Distal raised ridge on surface of outer vessel-   806 Proximal raised ridge on surface of outer vessel-   808 Outer wrap version 2-   810 Vent hole in wrap-   812 Distal raised ridge on surface of outer vessel-   814 Heavier bead at proximal end of outer vessel

(5) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a vaporizer comprising minimally an innervessel and an outer vessel. The outer vessel has an open proximal endand a closed distal end. An air intake vent(s) is located away from theheating area, preferably near the proximal end of the outer vessel. Thevent(s) may be an opening(s) made through the surface of the outervessel or the space between the surfaces of the inner and outer vesselsat the open proximal end of the outer vessel may be left wholly orpartially open so as to function as a vent.

The inner vessel is open at both ends, and has a partition spanning itsinterior cross-sectional area separating the inner volume of the innervessel into a vaporization chamber distally and a drawing chamberproximally. This partition has screening holes through it allowingvapors to pass from the vaporization chamber into the drawing chamber.

The inner vessel is preferably longer than the outer vessel. Thus whenthe inner vessel is inserted into the outer vessel such that the distalend of the inner vessel abuts the inner surface of the distal end of theouter vessel, the proximal end of the inner vessel will protrude outthrough the open proximal end of the outer vessel, thus making theproximal end of the inner vessel available for inhalation therethrough.When air is inhaled out through the proximal end of the inner vessel, asuction is created that draws air in through the air intake vents,distally between the inner surface of the outer vessel and the outersurface of the inner vessel, then into the vaporization chamber in theinner vessel, through the screening holes in the partition, into thedrawing chamber in the inner vessel and out through the open proximalend of the inner vessel.

Depending upon the specific design, air is able to pass from the spacebetween the inner and outer vessels into the vaporization chamber in theinner vessel either by traveling between the distal end of the innervessel and the inside surface of the distal end of the outer vessel orthrough air inlet openings made through the surface of the inner vesselnear the distal end of the inner vessel.

When a vaporizable substance is disposed into the vaporization chamberof the assembled device, and heat from a cigarette lighter or the likeis applied to the heating area at the distal end of the outer vesselwhile air is suctioned through the device, air passing into thevaporization chamber is heated by heat radiating from and penetratingthrough the hot heating area of the outer vessel. This heated airsubsequently heats the vaporizable substance causing vaporization ofvarious volatile constituents of the vaporizable substance. The heatedair then carries the volatilized constituents with it into the drawingchamber and out through the opening in the proximal end of the innervessel.

A material fastener, beyond human hands, to hold the two vessels inassembled position, is not a necessary part of the invention as thedevice will function so long as the vessels are in proper relation toone another. However, a fastener to hold the two vessels in properassembled position does make the device much more convenient andefficient to operate. There are certainly many possible fasteners,including simple fasteners such as a strap or elastic band, which couldfunction successfully as the fastener for the present invention. Formost embodiments it is preferable that in assembled position, all partsof the fastener be located away from the heating area so as to avoidheating the fastener and/or interfering with the heating of the heatingarea. A grommet, made preferably of rubber or other elastic material,has been chosen as a non-limiting example of a fastener here for anumber of reasons, including that it is effective, easy to use,inexpensive, unobtrusive, and easily replaceable should it wear out.

A number of materials can be successfully employed for construction ofthe vessels of the present invention, including glass, metal, andceramic, as well as combinations of material such as metal bonded toglass, etc. High temperature glass, such as PYREX®, has the advantagesof being durable, inexpensive, and transparent. This type of material isalso appropriately but not excessively conductive of heat for thecurrent purpose as heat applied to the heating area remainssubstantially confined to the distal end of the device when the deviceis made of this material, making the device easier and safer to handleduring and after usage. An optional insulating wrap is provided forfurther protection from heat.

With slight modification the portable vaporizing device becomes capableof replacing the standard slider-bowls used in many water pipes allowingthe water pipe to be converted into a vaporizing device. With adifferent set of modifications the device becomes capable of vaporizingwhole cigarettes or portions thereof.

(6) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A) General Description

In one aspect, the present invention teaches a portable vaporizingdevice, the device generally comprising an outer vessel and an innervessel held together by a fastener. The invention also optionallycomprises an outer insulating wrap.

The outer vessel has a closed distal end and an open proximal end. Theinner vessel has an open proximal end as well as an open distal end. Theinner vessel also has a partition within it, spanning the innercross-sectional area of the vessel. The partition divides the innervolume of the inner vessel into two chambers, a vaporization chamberdistally and a drawing chamber proximally. The partition also hasscreening holes through it to allow air to be drawn from thevaporization chamber through the partition into the drawing chamber,while keeping the vaporizable substance in place inside the vaporizationchamber, the partition thus functioning essentially as a screeningmechanism.

When the device is assembled, the inner vessel is inserted into theouter vessel through the open proximal end of the outer vesselpreferably such that the distal end of the inner vessel abuts the insidesurface of the distal end of the outer vessel. The inner vessel ispreferably longer than the outer vessel so that in this abuttedposition, the proximal end of the inner vessel protrudes from the openproximal end of the outer vessel. The proximal end of the inner vesselis thus exposed to allow inhalation therethrough. The distal end of theinner vessel preferably abuts the inside of the closed distal end of theouter vessel in such a manner as to substantially close off the openingat the distal end of the vaporization chamber, thus substantiallytrapping the vaporizable substance in the vaporization chamber.

It is also possible to create functional devices where the distal end ofthe inner vessel and the inside surface of the distal end of the outervessel do not make contact with one another at all, there being a spacebetween them when the vessels are in assembled position. However, thedistance between the distal end of the inner vessel and the innersurface of the distal end of the outer vessel is preferably small enoughin such arrangements so that particles of the vaporizable substance cannot easily fall out of the open distal end of the vaporization chamberand out into the space between the vessels and therefore out of optimalvaporizing position when the device is turned freely in space orjostled.

If the inner vessel is significantly shorter than the outer vessel, onceit is inserted into the outer vessel and brought into assembled positionas above, the proximal end of the inner vessel will not protrude fromthe open proximal end of the outer vessel. The proximal end of the innervessel is thus not directly available for inhalation therethrough.Therefore some sort of extension connected to the proximal end of theinner vessel is necessary to create a functional device in this case,whether that extension is tubing, a connector, a mouthpiece, or someother sort of extension.

In one embodiment, the assembly may be designed so as to direct air topass into the vaporization chamber by allowing it to travel around thedistal end of the inner vessel through intentionally unsealed gapsbetween the distal end of the inner vessel and the inner surface of theclosed distal end of the outer vessel, and then on into the vaporizationchamber. As a second embodiment, the design may be to make air inletopenings through the surface of the inner vessel near the distal end ofthe vaporization chamber so as to allow air to pass from the spacebetween the inner vessel and the outer vessel through these openingsinto the vaporization chamber. A third embodiment is a combination ofgaps at the abutment area and openings through the surface of thevaporization chamber.

The fastener holds the two vessels together in the assembled position.Depending on the design, the fastener may also seal the proximal endspace between the assembled vessels (or between the outer vessel andextension), thus necessitating the inclusion of other air intake vents.If this space between the open proximal end of the outer vessel and theoutside surface of the inner vessel (or extension) is left wholly orpartially unsealed, no other air intake vents may be necessary.

There are numerous alternative possible embodiments which will worksatisfactorily. The exact dimensions of the vessels and fastenerspecified are not critical to the proper functioning of the vaporizer solong as the parts fit each other. A somewhat larger or smaller vesselassembly as regards length and/or circumference is possible so long asthere is an appropriate air space between the outer surface of the innervessel and the inner surface of the outer vessel so as to permit properair flow through the device during usage. The inner vessel may besignificantly longer than the outer vessel so that a significant portionof the inner vessel protrudes out of the open proximal end of the outervessel when the device is assembled. Or the inner vessel may be onlyslightly longer that the outer vessel so that just enough length to beutilized as a mouthpiece protrudes out from the proximal end of theouter vessel. Or the outer vessel may be longer than the inner vessel,thus requiring some type of extension be included in the assembleddevice to allow access to the proximal end of the inner vessel for thepurpose of inhalation therethrough. Among other possibilities, a lengthof tubing, a separate mouthpiece or the fastener itself could serve assaid extension to allow access to the inner vessel in this situation.

-   -   The vessel surfaces may be made thinner or thicker in places so        long as they are:    -   1) sufficiently thick to withstand the applied heat, the hot air        flow through the device, and the repeated surface to surface        contact involved in assembling and disassembling the device; and    -   2) sufficiently thin to allow ready conduction of heat from a        flame through the surface of the outer vessel to the air in        between the two vessels.

A further consideration is to make sure that the user's hand will not beburned once heat is applied to the heating area at the distal end of theouter vessel and so there must be sufficient distance between the spotwhere the heat is applied and the area where the hand holds the device,so as to eliminate conduction of unacceptable levels of heat to the areawhere the hand holds the device. The characteristics of the materialsused for construction thus have impact on the acceptable dimensions ofthe constructed device. Similar considerations must be kept in mind toensure that the vessel lengths are sufficiently long so as to preventexcessive heat being conducted to the proximal end of the inner vesselso that a user's lips are not burned.

An optional insulating wrap is provided as further protection for thehands. A shorter vessel assembly may be acceptable if an insulating wrapis wrapped around the outer vessel proximal to the heating area, thuspreventing the hand from being burned by heat conduction through theouter vessel, so long as the device still has sufficient length toprevent overheating of the proximal end of the inner vessel. The wrapcan be made of any heat insulating substance such as rubber, KEVLAR®,leather, fabric or the like.

The partition in the inner vessel may be placed at different positionsto create a larger or smaller vaporization chamber size to accommodatelarger or smaller amounts of vaporizable substance as desired. Further,the pattern and/or shape of screening holes through the partition can bevaried in numerous ways without problem. For example, the screeningholes could be round, slotted, diamond-shaped or any other shapes. Thereare any number of screening hole patterns which could effectivelyfunction as a screening mechanism to allow vapors to pass and preventsolid unvaporized substance from being inhaled. The number, shape andsize of screening holes selected will affect the drawing pressurenecessary to produce a given airflow through the device.

Another necessary feature of the invention is that there be one or moreair intake vents located away from the heating area, preferably near theproximal end of the outer vessel. These vents are for the purpose ofclean air intake into the space between the inside surface of the outervessel and the outside surface of the inner vessel. Again, the number ofair intake vents, their exact size and their exact placement is notcritical to the proper functioning of the unit. However, placing thesevents away from the heating area is a key feature of this invention asit serves the important purpose of separating the air intake into thedevice from the area where fuel combustion occurs externally, thusminimizing the inhalation of fuel exhaust fumes into the device and intothe lungs.

The space between the opening in the proximal end of the outer vesseland the outer surface of the inner vessel (or extension) can serve as anair intake vent or, alternatively, openings of various design can bemade through the surface of the outer vessel to serve as air intakevents. The air intake vents can be placed in any number of patterns,using a smaller or larger number of vents, as well as a somewhat smalleror larger vent size, or even different shaped vents. The number and sizeof the vents chosen will also affect the drawing pressure necessary toproduce a given airflow through the device.

The fastener should be such that it holds the inner and outer vessels inposition relatively firmly once they are assembled together. Thefastener should also be such that it is easily releasable for readydisassembly and reloading of the device. And, although it is notnecessary in all cases, it is preferable for the fastener to be locatedaway from the heating area when the device is assembled. This preventsthe fastener from being heated extensively during the vaporizationprocess as well as prevents the fastener from interfering with theheating of the heating area. There are many possibilities which willfunction successfully for the present application.

One possibility for a fastener is a grommet, preferably made of elasticmaterial, such as rubber. The grommet snugly encircles the outer surfaceof the inner vessel (or extension) at the appropriate region such thatit seals the space between the open proximal end of the outer vessel andthe outside surface of the inner vessel (or extension) when the innervessel is assembled with the outer vessel by insertion. A properlyfitted fastener of this type can serve to fasten the two vesselstogether and can also be readily unfastenable, thus functioningessentially as a removable locking one-holed stopper. Many differentdesigns of grommets can function successfully for this purpose. Whensuch a fastener is used, the space between the open proximal end of theouter vessel and the outer surface of the inner vessel (or extension)can no longer be used as a vent since that area is sealed. One optionwould be to make vent openings through the surface of the outer vesselas discussed above. A second option for air intake vents in this case isto make openings through the fastener.

Other possibilities for fasteners would be to use a channel-locking orscrewing mechanism to hold the two vessels together. The surfaces of thetwo vessels can be fitted with, or designed to include, outcroppings orthreads of various types that interlock to hold the two vessels in placeonce the inner vessel is inserted into the outer vessel and twisted, forexample. In such an arrangement, the locking mechanism itself can haveair intake vents which pass through it to allow proper airflow throughthe device, or alternatively, the air intake vents can be made throughthe surface of the outer vessel, away from the heating area as above.Depending upon which materials are used to fabricate the vessels, thesechannel locking and screwing embodiments have the drawback of beingpotentially more expensive to produce due to the more complex workinvolved.

Any number of reusable fasteners could work successfully to hold theinner and outer vessels together when assembled and then to allow easydisassembly for reloading. As long as the inner vessel is not too short,the human hand can function as the necessary fastener to hold the twovessels in position during use although this solution has obviousinconveniences. Still other fasteners, e.g. an O-ring, rubber band orstrap, may be employed.

For the device to function properly, it is important that sufficient aircan flow into the vaporization chamber from the space between the innersurface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of the inner vessel.One method of allowing this airflow is to create gaps at the abutmentarea where the distal end of the inner vessel abuts the inner surface ofthe distal end of the outer vessel. For example, depending on the designof the vessels, one or more notches around the circumference of theopening at the distal end of the inner vessel can allow airflow into thedistal end of the vaporization chamber. A second method to ensureadequate airflow from the space between the two vessels into thevaporization chamber is to make air inlet openings through the surfaceof the inner vessel into the vaporization chamber. Or, in an arrangementas mentioned above, where the distal end of the inner vessel does notactually abut the inner surface of the distal end of the outer vessel,the gap in between these two can serve to allow air to enter thevaporization chamber.

It is also convenient to have an appropriately shaped mouthpiece throughwhich to inhale during the vaporization process. One possibility is tomake such a mouthpiece integral to the proximal end of the inner vessel.Another possibility is to utilize a separate mouthpiece which attachesto the proximal end of the inner vessel.

A number of materials are suitable for constructing the vessels of thepresent invention. High temperature glass, for example PYREX®, has theadvantages of being transparent, being effective at substantiallycontaining heat in the heating area, and of not negatively affecting thetaste of the vapors produced. Using, for example, metal, one would loseall or some of these advantages but gain the advantage of making theassembly more durable. Ceramic is another possibility. Other materialsor combinations of materials, e.g. metal bonded to glass, could beemployed as well. As long as one uses heat-safe, non-toxic materialswhich suitably conduct heat to the air which flows inside the assembly,some degree of success with vaporization should be possible althoughthere is some variation in the exact qualities of the process dependingon which materials are chosen.

B) Specific Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of an outer vessel(100). In this embodiment of the invention, the outer vessel (100) is astandard test tube shape, a 15.3 cm long test tube made of hightemperature glass, for example PYREX®, with an open proximal end (102)and a rounded closed distal end (104). Throughout the body of the vessel(100) the outer diameter is 19 mm, the inner diameter is 16.6 mm, andthe thickness of the glass is 1.2 mm. The open proximal end of thevessel (102) flares out slightly, giving it an outside diameter of 20mm. There is a heavier bead of glass at the closed distal end (104) aswell as at the open proximal end (102) of the vessel, making the glassapproximately 2 mm thick in these areas. Centered 2 cm from the openproximal end (102) of the vessel, there are three 5 mm diameter roundair intake vents (106) going straight from the outer surface to theinside surface of the vessel, the air intake vents (106) being spacedequidistantly around the circumference of the test tube. The mosteffective heating area (108) is located at the very distal end of thevessel and extends approximately 1-2 cm from the end of the vessel. Themeasurements given above are typical. Generally useful ranges formeasurements for outer vessels are from 9 cm to 200 cm in length anddiameters ranging from 5 mm to 25 cm. The higher ends of these ranges aswell as the extreme low ends of these ranges are probably more valuablefor novelty applications as opposed to convenience, but can still yieldfunctional devices. While these ranges are generally preferred for mostuses, the device can be made in any size and the invention is not meantto be limited to any particular size or sizes.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the inner vessel(200). Here, the inner vessel (200) is approximately 17.3 cm long, ahigh temperature glass tube, straight throughout most of its length,with an open proximal end (214) and an open distal end (202). The outerdiameter of the vessel (200) is 12 mm and the inner diameter is 10 mm,the thickness of the glass being 1 mm throughout the body of the vessel(200). At a distance of 3 cm from the distal end of the vessel (202),there is a glass partition (204), 2 mm thick, perpendicular to the wallsof the vessel (200) spanning the inner cross-section of the vessel(200). This partition (204) has through it 5 screening holes (206), 1.5mm in diameter each, four placed in a square pattern, the fifth in thecenter, all spaced approximately equally over the surface of thepartition (204). The partition (204) divides the interior space of theinner vessel (200) into a vaporization chamber (208) distally and adrawing chamber (210) proximally.

The proximal end of the vessel flares out into a spherical mouthpiece(212) integral to the inner vessel, extending from the proximal end ofthe vessel (214), distally to 2 cm away from the proximal end of thevessel (218). This spherical mouthpiece (212) is 2 cm in diameter andhas a surface thickness of approximately 2 mm. On its distal side (218),the mouthpiece has a circular opening to the drawing chamber (210) andat its opposite, most proximal end, it has a 6 mm diameter round opening(214). The openings at both ends of the vessel (202) (214) have heavierbeads of glass, giving them a thickness of approximately 1.4 mm.

The final 1 cm of length of the distal end of the inner vessel iscrimped together to form two inwardly facing crests 180 degrees aroundthe circumference from one another, such that the two crests close to adistance of 4 mm apart at their closest point to one another (216). Thiscrimp (216) allows for better airflow between the distal end of theinner vessel (202) and the inner surface of the distal end of the outervessel (104) on into the vaporization chamber (208). The measurementsgiven above are typical. Generally useful ranges for measurements forinner vessels are from 9 cm to 200 cm in length and diameters rangingfrom 2 mm to 25 cm. The higher ends of these ranges as well as theextreme low ends of these ranges are probably more valuable for noveltyapplications as opposed to convenience, but can still yield functionaldevices. While these ranges are generally preferred for most uses, thedevice can be made in any size and the invention is not meant to belimited to any particular size or sizes.

A heavier bead of glass is used on the distal end of the inner (202) andouter (104) vessels. Beyond serving to protect the heating area (108)from breakage due to applied heat, this heavier bead functions toprevent contact breakage in these areas that make solid on solid contactwith one another during usage.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of a fastener (300).In this example, the fastener is a grommet (300) made of rubber. Thisgrommet (300) is essentially a short sleeve or wide ring, designed tofunction as a removable locking one-holed stopper. It measures 13.8 mmfrom end to end along its cylindrical length (302). It has an innerdiameter (304) of 9.2 mm throughout its length (302) and an outerdiameter which ranges from 15.5 mm at its proximal end (306) to 12.2 mmat its distal end (308), the thickness of the ring varying along thelength (302).

Beginning at the distal end of the grommet (308), where the outerdiameter is 12.2 mm, and moving proximally along the grommet (300), thematerial thickens steadily until 8 mm along the grommet (300), where theouter diameter is 13.8 mm. At this point there is a groove (310) 2.6 mmwide around the circumference of the grommet (300), where the outerdiameter is 12.2 mm. Then the final 3.2 mm in length (302) constitutes arounded lip (312) where the outer diameter is 15.5 mm at its widestpoint. The measurements given above are typical. Many different designsfor grommets which will function successfully with this device arepossible. Generally useful ranges for measurements of grommets (300) arefrom 2 mm to 20 cm in length and diameters ranging from 2 mm to 25 cm.The higher ends of these ranges as well as the extreme low ends of theseranges are probably more valuable for novelty applications as opposed toconvenience, but can still yield functional devices. While these rangesare generally preferred for most uses, the device can be made in anysize and the invention is not meant to be limited to any particular sizeor sizes. Of course, the particular sizes of grommet (300) to fitparticular embodiments will be dependent on the sizes of the vessels(100) (200) and so must be chosen based on the measurements of thevessels (100) (200).

The grommet may be made of many materials but a grommet (300) made ofrubber has some distinct advantages in this example. If a rubber grommet(300) wears out, it is easily and inexpensively replaced. Rubber gripsglass well and so a grommet (300) made of rubber in the above examplewill produce a relatively strong removable locking seal in the assembleddevice. Further, the rubber serves to absorb shock thereby minimizingglass on glass impact.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an embodiment of a portablevaporizing device (400). The portable vaporizing device (400) isassembled by first sliding the grommet (300) onto the distal end of theinner vessel (202) along the length of the vessel (200) so that theproximal (wide) end (306) of the grommet (300) is brought to abut thedistal end of the spherical mouthpiece (218) located at the proximal endof the inner vessel (200). This grommet (300)/inner vessel (200)assembly is then inserted into the outer vessel (100) such that thedistal end (202) of the inner vessel is brought to abut the inside ofthe closed distal end (402) of the outer vessel (100). In this position,the grommet (300) fits into place in the opening (102) of the openproximal end of the outer vessel so as to provide removable locking sealat the opening in the proximal end of the outer vessel (102).

Referring to FIG. 8, two embodiments of an optional outer wrap on anouter vessel (800A) (800B) are shown. The wrap (802) (808) may be madeof rubber, leather or other insulating material, such as KEVLAR®, and isto be wrapped around the outer vessel (100) proximal to the heating area(108) so as to protect a user's hand from burns should the outer vessel(100) become too hot. The wrap (802) (808) also serves to remind a userof the acceptable areas to hold the device (400) during and after use.The wrap (802) can extend from just distal of the air intake vents (106)near the proximal end of the outer vessel (102) along the outer surfaceof the outer vessel (100) until about 4 cm from the distal end of thevessel (104), so as not to cover the heating area (108). Alternatively,the wrap (808) can extend all the way to the proximal end of the outervessel (102), with holes made through the wrap (810) corresponding tothe position of the air intake vents (106), thus not obstructing airintake into the device through the air intake vents (106).

If an optional external insulating wrap (802) (808) is to be used,another option would be to place extra raised ridges of material aroundthe circumference of the outer surface of the outer vessel (100) toprevent the wrap from sliding out of proper position. Where the wrap(802) extends from proximal of the heating area (108) until just distalof the air intake vents (106), two raised ridges of material can beused, one ridge (804) at approximately 4 cm from the distal end of theouter vessel and a second raised ridge (806) of material around thecircumference of the outer surface of the outer vessel (100) just distalto the positioning of the air intake vents (106). When tightly wrapped,these ridges (804) (806) of material would then serve to keep the outerwrap (802) in proper position, preventing the outer wrap (802) fromsliding into the heating area (108) of the outer vessel or covering theair intake vents (106).

Where the wrap (808) is designed to extend all the way to the proximalend of the outer vessel (102), one raised ridge (812) would be placed atapproximately 4 cm from the distal end of the outer vessel (104) whilethe heavier bead of glass at the proximal end of the vessel (814) willserve as the second ridge to hold the wrap in place. The measurementsgiven above are typical. Depending on the dimensions of a particularembodiment of the invention, the wrap may vary significantly indimension and placement. The measurements above are given to illustratesome wraps that would properly fit the example of the ‘portablevaporizer embodiment’ (400) given. The vaporizing device and wraps tofit it can be made in any size and the invention is not meant to belimited to any particular size or sizes.

Two additional embodiments of the device are also disclosed, which aredesignated the ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ (600) as shown inFIG. 6, and the ‘cigarette holder embodiment.’

The ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ (600) is designed to replace astandard slider-bowl so as to provide a means for vaporization inconjunction with commonly manufactured water pipes (610).

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of an inner vessel (500) for the‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ is shown. This inner vessel (500)is a tube made proportionally longer than the one utilized for the‘portable vaporizer embodiment’ (200). There is no spherical mouthpiece(212) at the proximal end of the inner vessel (502) as there was in theportable vaporizer example (200). Instead the proximal end of the innervessel (502) is designed to be inserted into the slider-bowl receivingtube of a water pipe (608).

Referring to FIG. 6, an example of an assembled ‘slider bowl replacementembodiment,’ (600) is shown. The outer vessel (100) is substantially thesame as the outer vessel from the ‘portable vaporizer embodiment’ (100)above. This example of the ‘slider-bowl replacement’ embodiment (600)utilizes an outer vessel (100) with a length of 15.3 cm, an outerdiameter of 19 mm and an inner diameter of 16.6 mm, as in the ‘portablevaporizer embodiment’ (400) above. The inner vessel (500) has a constantouter diameter of 12 mm along its entire length and is 21.5 cm long. Thedistal end of the inner vessel (506) has the same crimping (510) as inthe ‘portable vaporizer’ example (400) above and the partition (508) islikewise placed at 3 cm from the distal end (506) of the inner vessel.The screening holes (512) are substantially the same as in the ‘portablevaporizer embodiment’ (400) above. The measurements given above aretypical. Generally useful ranges for measurements for outer vessels forthe ‘slider-bowl replacement’ embodiment are from 4 cm to 75 cm inlength and diameters ranging from 5 mm to 25 cm. Generally useful rangesfor measurements for inner vessels for this embodiment are from 4 cm to75 cm in length and diameters ranging from 2 mm to 25 cm. The higherends of these ranges as well as the extreme low ends of these ranges areprobably more valuable for novelty applications as opposed toconvenience, but can still yield functional devices. While these rangesare generally preferred for most uses, the device can be made in anysize and the invention is not meant to be limited to any particular sizeor sizes.

In this example of the ‘slider bowl replacement embodiment,’ (600)although the grommet (300) could be successfully utilized, a sleeve(602) of rubber surgical tubing has been chosen instead. The sleeve(602) in this example has an inner diameter of 10.5 mm, a length ofapproximately 1.3 cm, and a thickness of approximately 3 mm. Thisdiameter allows the sleeve when stretched to fit snugly onto the innervessel. The sleeve (602) is slid onto the inner vessel (500) such thatits distal end (612) is at 14.4 cm from the distal end of the innervessel (506). In this embodiment the weight of the outer vessel (100)substantially creates a seal at the open proximal end of the outervessel (102) as it rests on the distal end of the sleeve (612) and isheld there by gravity. The proximal end of the sleeve (610) abuts themouth (606) of the slider bowl receiving tube where the mouth (606) ofthe slider bowl receiving tube encircles the inserted inner vessel(500), substantially creating a seal at this location as well aslimiting how far the inner vessel (500) can slide into the slider-bowlreceiving tube (608).

The dimensions of sleeves (602) that are generally useful depends uponthe dimensions of the vessels (100) (500) chosen as well as theparticular configuration of device desired. The sleeve (602) preferablyfits snugly around the outside surface of the inner vessel (500) and isthick enough that the open proximal end of the outer vessel may restupon it as well as thick enough to create the above-mentioned seals atthe appropriate junctures. Generally useful ranges for the length of thesleeve (602) are from 1 mm to a meter or more. Sleeves having lengthsnear the bottom end of this range are the equivalent of rings. Thesemeasurements are typical. However, the device can be made in any sizeand the invention is not meant to be limited to any particular size orsizes.

In addition, to the sleeve (602) arrangement described in the example ofthe ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ (600) above, otherconfigurations of sleeves (602) can be employed. Two sleeves (602) maybe utilized simultaneously, one sleeve (602) positioned so its distalend (612) abuts and substantially seals the open proximal end of theouter vessel (102) and the second sleeve (602) positioned so itsproximal end (610) abuts and simultaneously substantially seals the areawhere the mouth (606) of the slider bowl receiving tube encircles theinserted inner vessel (500). Yet another viable alternative is toutilize a single sleeve (602) and position it to abut only the openproximal end of the outer vessel (102) substantially creating a seal atthis juncture as well as providing a support on which the inner vessel(500) can rest in proper position. Likewise a single sleeve (602) can beutilized and positioned so as to only abut the mouth of the slider-bowlreceiving tube (606) where it encircles the inserted inner vessel (500)providing a seal at this juncture as well as stopping the inner vessel(500) from sliding too far into the slider-bowl receiving tube (608).

An advantage of using a sleeve (602) as opposed to a grommet (300) inthis embodiment is that the outer vessel (100) can simply be lifted offeasily for reloading, etc., rather than having to be released from thestronger seal created by the grommet (300) in the portable vaporizerembodiment (400). The sleeve (602) may be made of many materials but ispreferably made of an elastic material such as rubber.

Currently, most standard slider-bowls have tubes with an outsidediameter of 12, 15 or 16 mm and therefore most standard slider-bowlreceiving tubes (608) are made to receive slider-bowl tubes with one ofthese outer diameters. So, in this example, using an inner vessel (500)with a fixed outside diameter along its length of 12 mm will allow theproximal end of the inner vessel (502) to fit properly into the smallestof the three standard sizes of slider-bowl receiving tubes (608).

If one desires to replace the larger common sizes of slider-bowl, innervessels (500) with constant outer diameters of 15 or 16 mm may be usedbut it would be necessary to alter the diameter of the outer vessel(100) given in the example above accordingly so as to make the outervessel (100) large enough to accommodate a larger 15 or 16 mm outerdiameter inner vessel (500) with adequate space for appropriate airflow.Or, alternatively, an inner vessel (500) may be constructed such thatonly the proximal section of the inner vessel (500) has an outerdiameter appropriate to fit the chosen size of slider bowl receivingtube (608). The more distal portion of the inner vessel (500) may bewider or narrower as desired.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example of an inner vessel (700) for the‘cigarette holder embodiment’ is shown. The outer vessel (100) used forthis example is substantially the same as that used for the ‘portablevaporizer embodiment’ (400) above. The example of the ‘cigarette holderembodiment,’ differs from the ‘portable vaporizer’ example above (400)in that the partition (702) in the inner vessel (700) is here placed at9.5 cm from the distal end of the inner vessel (712). The vaporizationchamber (704) is thus large enough to accommodate a standard cigarette.The dimensions can be adjusted to accommodate other cigarette sizes.

Further, this partition (702), rather than having five 1.5 mm diameterscreening holes (206) through it, now has just one screening hole (706),5 mm in diameter, through its center. This screening hole (706) is smallenough to prevent a cigarette from sliding through but large enough toallow vapors from the vaporizing cigarette to pass from the vaporizationchamber (704) through the partition (702) into the drawing chamber (708)and onward to the proximal end (710) of the inner tube for inhalation.

The distal end (712) of the inner vessel is not crimped as in the‘portable vaporizer embodiment’ (400) but rather, there are 4 air inletopenings (714) made through the surface of the inner vessel (700), 1.5mm in diameter each, placed equidistantly around the circumference ofthe inner tube (700), centered at a distance of 4.5 mm from the distalend of the inner vessel (712), to allow airflow into the vaporizationchamber (704). The measurements given above are typical. Generallyuseful ranges for measurements for outer vessels for the ‘cigaretteholder embodiment’ are from 9 cm to 75 cm in length and diametersranging from 5 mm to 25 cm. Generally useful ranges for measurements forinner vessels of this embodiment are from 9 cm to 75 cm in length anddiameters ranging from 2 mm to 5 cm. The higher ends of these ranges aswell as the extreme low ends of these ranges are probably more valuablefor novelty applications as opposed to convenience, but can still yieldfunctional devices. While these ranges are generally preferred for mostuses, the device can be made in any size and the invention is not meantto be limited to any particular size or sizes.

Further, the air inlet openings may be varied in number, shape, size andplacement and the measurements specified in the example here are notmeant to be a limitation as to the exact size, shape, number and/orplacement of the air inlet openings. Likewise the partition (702) couldbe placed at other chosen distances along the vessel (700), thus varyingthe size of the vaporization chamber (704) so as to accommodate othersize cigarettes or portions thereof, e.g. extra long cigarettes or halfcigarettes, etc.

In the above example of the ‘cigarette holder embodiment,’ the mainpathway of air into the vaporization chamber (704) is through the airinlet openings (714) rather than around the distal end of the innervessel (712) between the distal end of the inner vessel (712) and theinner surface of the distal end of the outer vessel (110). The air inletopenings (714) have been added in this embodiment to ensure adequateairflow into the vaporization chamber (704) because the round distal endof the inner vessel (712) may substantially seal against the roundinside surface of the distal end of the outer vessel (110) therebysubstantially blocking airflow around the distal end of the inner vessel(712) into the vaporization chamber (704). This design allows for easyinsertion of a cigarette into the distal end of the inner vessel (712)where a crimped end as above (216) on an inner vessel of this diameterwould obstruct such insertion.

Other designs which allow sufficient airflow into the vaporizationchamber (704) without the addition of these air inlet openings (714) arealso possible. Any number of designs that create sufficient gaps betweenthe distal end of the inner vessel and the inside surface of the distalend of the outer vessel area to allow airflow into the vaporizationchamber (704) can function effectively. In addition to possibilitiesdiscussed above, another possibility is that the distal end of the innervessel (712) can be flared to a larger diameter and then crimpedslightly, thus both allowing easy insertion of a cigarette as well ascreating sufficient gaps for airflow between the distal end of the innervessel (712) and the inner surface of the distal end of the outer vessel(110) when the device is assembled. This same distal end design can alsobe used effectively with the ‘portable vaporizer embodiment’ (400) and‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ (600) above, there offering easieraccess to the vaporization chamber for loading and unloading through anenlarged opening at the distal end of the inner vessel.

(7) Operation

In order to use the portable vaporizer, one must first load thevaporization chamber (208) at the distal end of the inner vessel (200)with vaporizable substance. To accomplish this, the inner vessel (200)and outer vessel (100) must be disassembled from one another. Thevaporizable substance should be broken into small enough pieces tomaximize surface area but of sufficient size pieces so as to minimizesmall particles being sucked through the screening holes (206) in thepartition (204). A suitable grinding device may be employed to produceproper size pieces if desired.

One may then choose to simply insert vaporizable substance into thevaporization chamber (208) by hand or it also works well to use theinner vessel (200) straw-like, applying suction out through the proximalend (214) to suck the vaporizable substance into the vaporizationchamber (208) at the distal end.

Once the vaporization chamber (208) is filled as much as desired,holding the inner vessel (200) with vaporization chamber (208) pointedup, the inner vessel (200), with the grommet (300) thereon, should beslid fully into the outer vessel (100) so that the distal end of theinner vessel (202) abuts the inner surface of the distal end of theouter vessel (110). In this position the grommet (300) is also in place,functioning as a removable locking one-holed stopper to close the openproximal end of the outer vessel (102). Now the assembly may be safelymoved at any angle because the vaporization chamber (208) is nowsubstantially closed off by the inner surface of distal end of the outervessel (110) and the vaporizable substance is therefore substantiallyheld in place in the vaporization chamber (208).

For actual vaporization, holding the assembly (400) substantiallyhorizontal is probably best but most degrees of tilting are acceptableso long as the distal end (104) is not tilted downward to the pointwhere the flame heats the more proximal areas of the outer vessel (100)or where the user is endangered by having his hand, face, hair, etc overthe flame. To avoid obstructing the airflow through the device (400),when holding the assembly during use, do not cover the air intake vents(106) with the hand. If an optional wrap (802) or (808) is included,hold the unit with hand only on the wrap (802) (808) in order to protectthe hands from touching hot surfaces of the device (400).

To begin vaporization, hold a flame, such as that from an ordinarycigarette lighter, under the heating area (108) on the outer surface ofthe distal end of the outer vessel (100) such that the tip of the flameis just touching the outer vessel at the heating area located along thelast 1-2 cm in length of the outer vessel (108). This specified heatingarea (108) is generally the optimal place to apply heat for mostapplications, however applying heat more proximally, so long as thedevice is constructed in such a manner which makes it safe to do so, maystill result in successful functioning of the device, and may even bepreferred in some instances.

Begin inhaling through the opening (214) in the spherical mouthpiece(212) at the proximal end of the inner vessel (200). As air is inhaledthrough the mouthpiece (212) in the proximal end of the assembly (400),a suction is created throughout the apparatus such that air is drawn into the device through the air intake vents (106) then flows distallybetween the inner (200) and outer (100) vessels, flows around the distalend of the inner vessel (202) between the distal end of the inner vessel(202) and the inner surface of the closed distal end of the outer vessel(104), then flows through the vaporizable substance contained in thevaporization chamber (208), through the screening holes (206) in thepartition (204) of the inner vessel (200), then proximally through thedrawing chamber (210) in the inner vessel to the hole in the mouthpiece(212) and finally, into the user's mouth and lungs.

The flame heats the glass at the heating area of the outer vessel (108),which in turn heats the air passing between the inner (200) and outer(100) vessels past this point. The heated air then travels through thevaporizable substance, heating the vaporizable substance. This is theprimary heating mechanism. Secondarily, the heated glass of the outervessel (100) and air heated by the glass of the outer vesselsubsequently heat the glass of the inner vessel (200) which subsequentlyconducts heat to the vaporizable substance in the vaporization chamber(208). The vaporizable substance is thus heated to a suitabletemperature to cause the release of desired volatile constituents.

There is a certain feel required to operate the vaporizer mosteffectively. When the air coming through the mouthpiece (212) starts tofeel warm, vaporization is beginning. If there is any burnt taste atall, or if smoke rather than a vapor mist is produced, then the flame isbeing applied too intensely and should be removed momentarily. Once theunit is up to vaporizing temperature, the lighter may be removed and theunit will stay hot enough to continue vaporizing substance such thatanother effective inhalation may still be made. Heat and inhale untilall desired volatiles are released from the substance in thevaporization chamber (208). Changes in color, taste, etc. will beindicators as to whether there is any more to be gained from continuedheating of the current substance in the vaporization chamber (208). Whenthe substance in the vaporization chamber (208) is used as much asdesired, wait for the unit (400) to cool or else disassemble the unitbeing careful not to touch the hot distal ends of the outer (104) andinner (202) tubes. Empty the vaporization chamber (208) by dumping outor by blowing through the mouthpiece (212) and then refill for the nextusage.

If any black soot gathers on the outside of the outer vessel (100) dueto use of a disposable lighter, it may be wiped away with tissues orcloth. Use of a refillable butane lighter will not produce such soot andis therefore preferred.

The ‘slider-bowl replacement embodiment’ (600) is operated insubstantially the same manner as the ‘portable vaporizer embodiment’(400). First the vaporization chamber (504) is loaded with vaporizablesubstance. The unit is assembled by sliding the inner vessel (500) intothe outer vessel (100), such that the distal end of the inner vessel(506) abuts the inner surface of the distal end of the outer vessel(110) and such that the proximal end of the outer vessel (102) rests onthe distal end of the sleeve (612), forming a seal at that juncture. Theproximal end of the inner vessel (502) is slid into the slider bowlreceiving tube (608) of a water pipe (604) such that the proximal end ofthe sleeve (610) abuts the mouth (606) of the slider bowl receivingtube, forming a seal at that point. The ‘slider-bowl replacement’vaporizing device (600) will make an approximately 45 degree angle withthe ground depending on the particular assembly used. Then using a flameto heat the heating area (108) at the distal end of the outer vessel anddrawing air through the mouthpiece of the water pipe simultaneously willproduce the vaporizing effect.

In the ‘cigarette holder embodiment,’ an unfiltered cigarette, orportion thereof, is placed into the vaporization chamber (704) and sliduntil the distal end of the cigarette (or portion) is proximal to theair inlet openings (714). Once the device is thus ‘loaded,’ use of the‘cigarette holder embodiment’ otherwise proceeds as for the ‘portablevaporizer embodiment.’ (400)

1) A device for vaporizing volatile constituents of various substancescomprising a) an outer vessel having an inner surface, an outer surface,an open proximal end and a closed distal end; said distal end having aheating area comprised of a material which can withstand heat requiredto vaporize said volatile constituents; b) an inner vessel having aninner surface, an outer surface and open distal and proximal ends andbeing insertable into said outer vessel so as to leave a space betweenadjacent walls of said vessels; c) a partition member within said innervessel separating the inner vessel into two chambers, a distalvaporization chamber and a proximal drawing chamber, said partitionallowing air to flow therethrough when a suction is created by drawingair out of the proximal end of the inner vessel and furthersubstantially preventing particulate matter in the vaporization chamberfrom entering the drawing chamber; d) a fastener located away from saidheating area to keep said vessels in place when assembled; and e) one ormore air intake vents located away from said heating area for admittingatmospheric air to enter the space between said vessels upon drawing airout of the proximal end of said inner vessel. 2) The device of claim 1further comprising an outer wrap of heat resistant material such thatsaid wrap snugly substantially covers said outer surface of said outervessel, leaving said air intake vents and said heating area uncovered.3) The device of claim 1 where said fastener is a grommet which snuglyencircles said outer surface of said inner vessel or extension thereofand which fits snugly into said open proximal end of said outer vesselwhen said inner vessel is sufficiently inserted into said outer vessel.4) The device of claim 3 where said air intake vents are through-holesgoing from said outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surfaceof said outer vessel. 5) The device of claim 1 where said outer vesselis substantially a standard test tube shape and said inner vessel issubstantially a long straight tube. 6) The device of claim 5 where saidinner vessel and said outer vessel are made of high temperature glass.7) The device of claim 5 where said fastener is a grommet which snuglyencircles said outer surface of said inner vessel or extension thereofand which fits snugly into said open proximal end of said outer vesselwhen said inner vessel is sufficiently inserted into said outer vessel.8) The device of claim 7 where said air intake vents are through-holesgoing from said outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surfaceof said outer vessel. 9) The device of claim 8 where said inner vesseland said outer vessel are made of high temperature glass. 10) The deviceof claim 5 where the most distal portion of said inner vessel hasopposing sides crimped towards one another making said opening at saiddistal end of said inner vessel substantially FIG. 8 shaped. 11) Thedevice of claim 10 where said fastener is a grommet which snuglyencircles said outer surface of said inner vessel or extension thereofand which fits snugly into said open proximal end of said outer vesselwhen said inner vessel is sufficiently inserted into said outer vessel.12) The device of claim 11 where said air intake vents are through-holesgoing from said outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surfaceof said outer vessel. 13) The device of claim 12 where said inner vesseland said outer vessel are made of high temperature glass. 14) The deviceof claim 12 further comprising an outer wrap of heat resistant materialsuch that said wrap snugly substantially covers said outer surface ofsaid outer vessel but leaving said air intake vents and said heatingarea uncovered. 15) The device of claim 12 further comprising amouthpiece. 16) The device of claim 5 where said inner vessel has one ormore air inlet holes through the surface of said inner vessel, said airinlet holes located near said distal end of said inner vessel. 17) Thedevice of claim 16 where said fastener is a grommet which snuglyencircles said outer surface of said inner vessel or extension thereofand which fits snugly into said open proximal end of said outer vesselwhen said inner vessel is sufficiently inserted into said outer vessel.18) The device of claim 17 where said air intake vents are through-holesgoing from said outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surfaceof said outer vessel. 19) The device of claim 18 where said inner vesseland said outer vessel are made of high temperature glass. 20) The deviceof claim 18 further comprising an outer wrap of heat resistant materialsuch that said wrap snugly substantially covers said outer surface ofsaid outer vessel but leaving said air intake vents and said heatingarea uncovered. 21) The device of claim 18 further comprising amouthpiece. 22) A device for vaporizing volatile constituents of varioussubstances comprising a) an outer vessel having an inner surface, anouter surface, an open proximal end and a closed distal end; said distalend having a heating area comprised of a material which can withstandheat required to vaporize said volatile constituents; b) an inner vesselhaving an outer surface, an inner surface and open distal and proximalends, said inner vessel being insertable into said outer vessel so as toleave a space between adjacent walls of said vessels; c) a partitionmember within said inner vessel separating the inner vessel into twochambers, a distal vaporization chamber and a proximal drawing chamber,said partition allowing air to flow therethrough when a suction iscreated by drawing air out of the proximal end of the inner vessel andfurther substantially preventing particulate matter in the vaporizationchamber from entering the drawing chamber; and d) one or more air intakevents located away from said heating area for admitting atmospheric airto enter the space between said vessels upon drawing air out of theproximal end of said inner vessel. 23) The device of claim 22 where saidproximal end of said inner vessel is insertable into the slider-bowlreceiving tube of a water pipe. 24) The device of claim 23 furthercomprising a sleeve, having a proximal end and a distal end, fittedaround said outer surface of said inner vessel such that when said innervessel is sufficiently inserted into said outer vessel, and saidproximal end of said inner vessel is inserted into a slider-bowlreceiving tube of a water pipe, said distal end of said sleeve abutssaid open proximal end of said outer vessel and substantially seals thespace between the outside surface of said inner vessel and said openproximal end of said outer vessel, and said proximal end of said sleeveabuts the mouth of said slider-bowl receiving tube of said water pipeand substantially seals the space between the outside surface of saidinner vessel and said mouth of said slider-bowl receiving tube of saidwater pipe. 25) The device of claim 24 where said air intake vents arethrough-holes going from said outer surface of said outer vessel to saidinner surface of said outer vessel. 26) The device of claim 25 wheresaid outer vessel is substantially a standard test tube shape and saidinner vessel is substantially a long straight tube. 27) The device ofclaim 26 where the most distal portion of said inner vessel has opposingsides crimped towards one another making said opening at said distal endof said inner vessel substantially FIG. 8 shaped. 28) The device ofclaim 27 where said inner vessel and said outer vessel are made of hightemperature glass. 29) The device of claim 23 further comprising asleeve, having a proximal end and a distal end, fitted around said outersurface of said inner vessel such that when said inner vessel issufficiently inserted into said outer vessel, said distal end of saidsleeve abuts said open proximal end of said outer vessel andsubstantially seals the space between the outside surface of said innervessel and said open proximal end of said outer vessel. 30) The deviceof claim 29 where said air intake vents are through-holes going fromsaid outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surface of saidouter vessel. 31) The device of claim 30 where said outer vessel issubstantially a standard test tube shape and said inner vessel issubstantially a long straight tube. 32) The device of claim 31 where themost distal portion of said inner vessel has opposing sides crimpedtowards one another making said opening at said distal end of said innervessel substantially FIG. 8 shaped. 33) The device of claim 32 wheresaid inner vessel and said outer vessel are made of high temperatureglass. 34) The device of claim 29 further comprising a second sleeve,having a proximal end and a distal end, fitted around said outer surfaceof said inner vessel such that when said proximal end of said innervessel is inserted into a slider-bowl receiving tube of a water pipe,said proximal end of said second sleeve abuts the mouth of saidslider-bowl receiving tube of said water pipe and substantially sealsthe space between the outside surface of said inner vessel and saidmouth of said slider-bowl receiving tube of said water pipe. 35) Thedevice of claim 34 where said air intake vents are through-holes goingfrom said outer surface of said outer vessel to said inner surface ofsaid outer vessel. 36) The device of claim 35 where said outer vessel issubstantially a standard test tube shape and said inner vessel issubstantially a long straight tube. 37) The device of claim 36 where themost distal portion of said inner vessel has opposing sides crimpedtowards one another making said opening at said distal end of said innervessel substantially FIG. 8 shaped. 38) The device of claim 37 wheresaid inner vessel and said outer vessel are made of high temperatureglass. 39) The device of claim 23 further comprising a sleeve, having aproximal end and a distal end, fitted around said outer surface of saidinner vessel such that when said proximal end of said inner vessel isinserted into a slider-bowl receiving tube of a water pipe, saidproximal end of said sleeve abuts the mouth of said slider-bowlreceiving tube of said water pipe and substantially seals the spacebetween the outside surface of said inner vessel and said mouth of saidslider-bowl receiving tube of said water pipe. 40) The device of claim39 where said outer vessel is substantially a standard test tube shapeand said inner vessel is substantially a long straight tube. 41) Thedevice of claim 40 where the most distal portion of said inner vesselhas opposing sides crimped towards one another making said opening atsaid distal end of said inner vessel substantially FIG. 8 shaped. 42)The device of claim 41 where said inner vessel and said outer vessel aremade of high temperature glass.